HHS Civil Rights Team hosts ‘Are you hungry tonight’ event

By Karen Donato
Staff Writer
    Students on the Houlton High School Civil Rights Team hosted a Martin Luther King event called “Are you hungry tonight” last month at the Gentle Memorial Building. Although the audience was small they participated enthusiastically as leader Christy Fitzpatrick set the stage.     The scenario began with audience participant, Dale Flewelling informing those in attendance that a local factory was closing, and they, as the employees would be out of work. He outlined their alternatives and once they received their final notice, how to seek assistance from a variety of public services.
    In all actuality this could have been Millinocket, Madawaska or right here in Houlton.
    As employees received their last paycheck they each found themselves alike in some ways and different in others.
    They were the same in that they all were without a job and they would be provided with transitional medical benefits for a time if they needed them. However, as they each went to the various relief agencies seeking assistance their differences became apparent.
    Receiving benefits depended on each person’s situation. Did they have resources to fall back on, were they the head of the household, were they single, were they single with children and the list went on.
Houlton Pioneer Times Photo/Karen Donato
LEARNING THEIR FATE — Matt McNeil and Kelsey Theriault, both members of the Houlton High School Civil Rights team participated in a real life drama recently. They were unemployed and finding out if they were eligible for any assistance. Harrison Roper, seated, a member of the Houlton community helped assist the out-of-work employees.
    They each faced these questions, What can I live without? How do I pay the mortgage, rent, utilities and food? Do I qualify for food stamps? Can I afford to keep my car and insurance?
    Most needed their cars since they lived 30 miles from the nearest town where there was some chance of landing a new job. Some were single parents; others had a spouse’s salary to rely on. Some had been living with parents, therefore housing and food were not imminent issues.
    The reality is no one is immune to life-changing events. Many readers will already identify with this as they have witnessed it first-hand.
    One of the major goals of the Jan. 19 presentation was to have the participants realize they should set their pride aside, forget the stereotypical image they have of those less fortunate; the ones you refer to as bums, homeless, jobless, etc. Even well educated, upstanding people can have the bottom fall out of their lives. Even families that have lived responsibly and within their means can get caught up in a financial crisis overnight.
    With today’s economic climate, it is hitting home closer than ever. These young students had their eyes opened to real situations.
    Civil rights team member, Kaylyn Queen said, she was “happy to see local residents support their program.” When asked what she had learned from the experience she said, “I learned not to be too picky about a job, it’s important just to have one so you can pay your bills.” “ I also learned not to blow the money I make, but to set some aside for emergencies.”
    Another team member, Axel Keber said, “It was an eye-opener to the problems some people must face. It’s important for people not to let pride get in their way, but to ask for help.”
Houlton Pioneer Times Photo/Karen Donato
BAD NEWS — Houlton resident, Dale Flewelling took time to join the Houlton High Civil Rights team recently and played the role of a factory owner that told his employees the plant would be closing. A real life situation everyone could face.
    He went on to say that these problems are not always their fault, things happen. There are shelters and food pantries available for people in need and they should ask for help.
    Brianna Faulkner, also a team member thought the program really helped everyone see and understand how others live in a crisis.
    The economic times we are experiencing today are a lot like the stories many of us heard from our parents or grandparents that lived in the times of the Great Depression. Everyone is becoming more aware of the increased cost of everything and the shrinking value of stocks and savings. It is important that the youth of today are made aware of what can happen if you don’t plan for those ‘rainy days’. This high school group is helping educate their peers and the community in important issues of the day.
    This week the civil rights team will be hosting an assembly on bullying issues for grades 9 through 12 at the high school.